(UTV | COLOMBO) – A Naval operation conducted in seas off Talaimannar made way for the apprehension of 2 suspects who were attempting to smuggle about 349 kilogrammes of turmeric and 156 kilogrammes of cardamom into the island.
As an extension of naval operations in place for the prevention of illegal activities off shores, the North-Central Naval Command had intercepted a suspicious dinghy loaded with 349 kilogrammes of turmeric in 14 sacks and 156 kilogrammes of cardamom in 6 sacks. Along with the two consignments which were in wet weight 2 suspects and the dinghy they used for this illegal act were also taken into Naval custody.
The operation was carried out adhering to COVID-19 protocols in place to arrest the spread of the pandemic and the accused held during the operation were identified as residents of Pesalai.
Meanwhile, the 2 suspects were handed over to the Talaimannar Public Health Inspector (PHI) for 14-days of quarantine. The stocks of turmeric and cardamom were handed over to the Jaffna Customs Office for onward legal action.